Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Devotions


by Leave a comment

Saint Patrick’s Day

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 11:28 “Those who trust in their riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.”

Today everyone wants to be Irish!  There are parades and celebrations everywhere this week marking Saint Patrick’s Day.  This patron saint of Ireland is often depicted holding a green shamrock.  It is said that he used it as a visual aid to teach on the Trinity.  But since the holiday has moved away from any religious associations, the green shamrock is now touted to be good luck and the day sees many of us wearing green.

Our verse for today gives us another reflection when thinking of the color green.  Green is the color for growth and health.  Those who thrive with the color green are those who make the Lord the focus of their trust.  It is not the green of money that is the object of our confidence.  We are not green and healthy because we have a healthy bank account balance.  We thrive and grow when we lean and rely on the Lord Himself.

When I look to my own resources, my color turns to a sickly brown.  No other resource in life can sustain me and hold me up as the Lord can out of the riches of His mercy.  Because of the unlimited blessings He gives, I will not fall.  He never disappoints, taking care of all my needs.  He promises that even in old age, I can stay fresh and green when I proclaim to others that the Lord is my upright and righteous Rock! (Psalm 92:14).

I just may wear green today, but with this verse in mind.  Thank you Lord, for keeping me fresh, green and thriving because of Your riches!


by Leave a comment

Cravings

Scripture for Today: Psalm 78:18 “They willfully put God to the test by demanding the food they craved.”

I often crave sweets, especially chocolate.  But the food cravings I had while pregnant were very different and no small thing.  It was not pickles and ice cream, thankfully.  It was citrus fruits and Mexican food.  It would come on me suddenly and at odd hours.  The sensation was strong and I have never felt anything quite like it since!  I remember getting quite cranky just up to the point when those cravings were indulged.  My poor husband was a good sport about it!

Today’s verse is speaking of the Israelites when they were in the wilderness.  The Lord had miraculously provided for their needs with manna from heaven.  But they craved meat.  They did not just crave it.  They wailed saying, “If only we had meat to eat.” (Numbers 11:4)  They were willful and even rebellious with their demands (verse 17).  Their cravings went so far as to cause them to speak against God (verse 19) and doubt His power.  “Can God really spread a table in the wilderness?”  How insulting to our Mighty God who had all along been showing His power in parting that Red Sea, and in guiding them with a pillar of cloud and pillar of fire.  God responded with righteous anger.

Cravings are part of human nature and not necessarily wrong in themselves.  But certainly when accompanied with a demanding rebellious attitude, they are not right.  I am wrong if I crave something that puts into question God’s goodness and power.  But one craving is always good, that of craving the “spiritual milk” of His Word (I Peter 2:2).  I wish I craved it more than I do!

Lord, create in me a craving for Your Word today!


by Leave a comment

Gluten Sensitivity

Scripture for Today: John 6:35-36 “Then Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry and whoever believes in Me will never be thirsty. But as I told you, you have seen Me and still you do not believe.'”

I would hate to have problems with gluten and I feel badly for those that do!  Those gastrointestinal symptoms plus the fatigue and headaches are no fun.  The more serious condition of Celiac even damages the small intestine.  Doctors caution that the gluten free diet does not automatically mean a more healthy diet or lead to weight loss unless it is done properly.  I am fortunate not to have to deal with this as I really enjoy my bread!

In today’s verse, Jesus uses the image of bread and water to show just how much we need Him.  He satisfies the hunger of our souls in a way that nothing else can.  But there is a condition.  We are to come to Him in faith.  Jesus is speaking to those who He had just miraculously fed.  They were only interested in having their stomachs filled (verse 26).  Somehow they were not seeing that Jesus was offering, “food that endures to eternal life” (verse 27).  They could not bring themselves to believe in Him as the bread of life from the Father (verse 33).  Their physical appetites were masking their deeper spiritual need.

I can’t be too hard on them.  I wonder if I only come to Him for what He can do for me.  Or do I find satisfaction just in loving Him and serving Him.  Do my temporal physical needs get in the way of enjoying a deep satisfying relationship?  I want to seek Him first and above all else.

Lord, help me to go deeper with You today.

 


by Leave a comment

Kisses

Scripture for Today: I Peter 1:22 “Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have a sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart.”

I am not sure if these seals are kissing or just checking each other’s breath!  Maybe they are siblings making up after a squabble.  Perhaps they are long lost friends experiencing a sweet reunion.  I hate to think of it as just an easily explained animal behavior.  Rather than believing it an instinctive act, I prefer to see it as a sweet moment of greeting.  After living in France for nearly three decades I grew accustomed to kissing cheeks as a form of greeting.  I grew so used to it that often it could become meaningless and routine.

Today’s verse talks about love being sincere.  It is described as a love that comes deeply, from the heart.  It is more than showy grandstanding or flowery speech.  It is more than a warm greeting.  A sincere love will not be just, “with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” (I John 3:18)  A sincere deep love is unselfish and without hypocrisy.  There is no thought of recompense or some hidden agenda.

There is a progression in experiencing this kind of love.  It can only begin with a pure heart.  And a pure heart begins with obeying the truth.  It is a relief to know that I do not have to manufacture this lofty love on my own.  It is a natural outgrowth of the Lord working in me.  Obedience to His way will keep my heart pure, unsullied and able to love.  When I am having trouble loving someone, the best remedy is to run to Him for cleansing!

Lord, today make my heart pure and able to love.


by Leave a comment

Teflon

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 19:11 “A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.”

It has been years since we have cooked with teflon-coated pans in our home.  With the controversy over the PFOA used in its production, and the release of toxins at high heat, we thought it better to stick with the cast iron.  And stick we do!  I have to say I miss the ease of clean-up with non-stick coatings.  But as long as there is a question about risk to health, I would rather be safe than sorry.  A few extra minutes at the sink seems a small price to pay.

Today’s verse talks about overlooking an offense.  Those insults and innuendos do not have to stick.  The one who lets that verbal jibe slide is the one who is taking the high road.  The intended insult and humiliation does not stick when there is no response or biting reply.  That offense may have been unintended.  Sometimes, the offense is only a perceived one.  In any case, what was nasty or negative can actually work in one’s favor when responded to with wisdom and patience.

I wish I were coated with teflon!  I wish those hurts would slide right off my back.  Too often, I remember every word of a past insult.  How unlike the Lord!  Jesus did not take offense and quit when He was insulted, spit upon and mocked.  He went all the way to the cross and was glorified by the Father.  Any offense I face from others is so very small in comparison.  He wants me to overlook it with grace and forgiveness.  In doing so I am well viewed by others, but more importantly, He is glorified!

Lord, make me wise and patient enough to let it go.